Justin Verlander may have twice used a rude gesture towards fans of the Philadelphia Phillies Monday nightbut the favorite to win the AL CY Young was just having some fun as his team attempted to win a second World Series in five years.
When the Houston team bus arrived at Citizens Bank Park earlier than it should have been Game 3 Monday nightVerlander was caught on video throwing Philadelphia fans.
Astros’ Justin Verlander reacts after giving up the Philadelphia Phillies in their first World Series game at Minute Maid Park on October 18. 28, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
(Sean M Haffey / Getty Images)
Verlander’s obscene gestures came with a smile and the nine times All Star confirmed that his gesture was all very funny.
ASTROS ‘JUSTIN VERLANDER MAKES AN OSCENE GESTURE TO PHILLIES FANS WHO GO TO THE BANK OF CITIZENS PARK
“All the context, Darren … The whole interaction was a joke, as all the fans around you were just waving in their native language,” Verlander posted Monday in response to a video of his interaction with fans. “So I replied kindly. All very funny. I liked the jokes. Besides, nobody broke the window. It was just like that.”
Game 3 of the World Series was postponed Monday night due to bad weather and was rescheduled for Tuesday at 8:03 PM ET.
Verlander will have a chance to calm the Philadelphia faithful over the next few days as he is scheduled for the start of Race 5 on Thursday night.
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Lance McCullers Jr wants to start Game 3 for the Astros while Christian Javier will get the knot for Race 4 on Wednesday.
Justin Verlander of the Astros during ALCS Game 1 against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park on Oct.18 19, 2022, in Houston, Texas.
(Photo by Mary DeCicco / MLB via Getty Images)
“The equation was that Javier was really good, number 1,” said Astros manager Dusty Baker, according to ESPN. “And number 2, we think that extra day wouldn’t hurt Justin. It would probably be to his advantage.”
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While Verlander is coming out of an incredible regular season – 18-4 with an ERA of 1.75 – his post-season hasn’t gone as he hoped.
Justin Verlander of the Astros during a press conference ahead of the first World Series game on Oct. 18 27, 2022, Houston.
(Bob Levey / Getty Images)
In two of his three 2022 playoff starts, Verlander conceded five or more points, including blowing a Five points clear in Race 1 of the World Series.
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Houston would have lost Game 1, 6-5, increasing Verlander’s career ERA in World Series games to 6.07.
In eight career beginnings in the Fall Classic, Verlander is pitched 0-6 in 43 innings.
